Scholes kick off new era with tasty derby

Andrew Hunt

Scholes will launch a new era of Yorkshire club cricket when they entertain Woodlands in their opening Bradford Premier League game.

The eagerly anticipated start to the season was delayed by a week to allow grounds additional time to dry out following recent wet weather.

The Bradford League Management Board’s decision looks to have paid off and with vastly improved weather, clubs can now look forward to Saturday’s opening games.

Scholes won promotion to the top flight last season and could hardly have picked a better fixture to begin their Premier Division campaign against a Woodlands side who won six Bradford League titles between 2005 and 2012 and are the Heavy Woollen Cup holders.

East Bierley visit the other promoted side, Morley, while Cleckheaton begin their bid to regain the title from Pudsey St Lawrence at home to Lightcliffe.

There have been several changes at Moorend with opening batsman Tim Jackson joining Woodlands and former Scotland international Iain Wardlaw moving to Huddersfield League side Hoylandswaine.

Three local clubs have been placed in what should be a very keenly fought Championship B section.

Hartshead Moor kick off at home to Methley — winners of the last Central Yorkshire League Premier Division title — while Gomersal travel to Townville and Spen Victoria also face a trip across the M62 to face Altofts.

Liversedge begin their Championship A campaign away to former CYL rivals Ossett.